CAA Launches Review of North Sea Operations as Avincis, Bristow and CHC Team to Improve Safety

By Andrew Drwiega, International Bureau Chief

Outside of Helitech, the UK’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has announced that it is to review North Sea helicopter operations together with the Norwegian CAA and the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). According to the CAA statement, the review “will study current operations, previous incidents and accidents and offshore helicopter flying in other countries to make recommendations aimed at improving the safety of offshore flying.”

CAA’s head of flight operations, Capt. Bob Jones, will lead the review, working closely with Geir Hamre, head of helicopter safety for the Norwegian CAA and will be supported by industry experts and independents. The review will focus on operator decision-making and internal management; the protection of passengers and crew; pilot training and performance; and helicopter airworthiness. The review will be published in early 2014.

The CAA announcement came a day before Avincis Group, Bristow Group and CHC unveiled plans to work together to review procedures, share best practices and improve safety. The joint review will examine processes, safety, training and flight operations, focusing first on Europe. Other areas will include automation, emergency equipment and response, human factors, manufacturing, safety communication and training.

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